In an attempt to keep up with other states, Ohio should establish a military affairs office that reports to the governor, according to a new report from a task force chaired by state Rep. Rick Perales (R). The office would craft a strategy for growing the state’s defense presence, assess the strengths and weaknesses of its installations, pursue new missions, assist communities dealing with a closure or downsizing, and oversee a revolving loan fund to finance infrastructure projects linked to bases’ health, reports the Toledo Blade.

A new office would help ensure the state is always prepared for the possibility of base closures, regardless of whether a new BRAC round is scheduled, Perales said. “It’s not about that 2021 BRAC. It could happen tomorrow, and if we’re not prepared, I guarantee other states will be prepared,” he said. Perales introduced a House bill creating an office of government and military affairs within the governor’s office, but because the current session is almost over, it’s unlikely to be enacted this year.

A new statewide office would help coordinate the various local military affairs committees that already exist but don’t communicate with each other, reported the Dayton Daily News.